Anybody have a child at Dame Allan in Newcastle?

[WillowWillow1]

My DC have been accepted at Dame Allan Senior school and just wanted to know if anyone has any DC at this school and how do they find it both for academic and pastoral care.

We have got a place on a near full bursary and I worry that DC will feel out of place surrounded by very wealthy people.

I am so proud of my DC and really want them to excel and have a good education and opportunities. I just don’t want them to feel the pressure of our financial situation, Any experience will be greatly appreciated.

I don't have a child there but DN, recently graduated from uni, had an extremely happy time and - despite dyslexia - did very well academically. His parents are middle class professionals in the public sector and by no means wealthy. It sounds like a nice school with a caring environment, which was why they chose it.

My DD is just about to leave Dame Allans (rather earlier than planned - year 13!). Started in year 9 and we have generally been delighted that we chose to send her there. I would describe it as a quietly confident school. The children flourish in all areas (check out inspection reports if you haven't already) but the school aren't pushy about it.
There's a reasonable income mix. We are not badly off at all but some of DD's friends are extremely well off and others appear to have more modest circumstances than we do. Head is retiring this year so there may be changes. Well done to your DC!

I would add that we've never felt pressure to pay for expensive trips etc. There seems to be no stigma that way.